The Arizona men’s and women’s swim team are headed to the Texas Invite, which begins Thursday and runs through Sunday. This midseason meet inside the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center marks the first chance to qualify for the NCAAs that take place in March.

The team has worked and trained hard for the invite but for the week leading up to it, rest is the most crucial part of their preparation.

“This is our midseason meet so we are resting fully for this one,” assistant coach Brandy Collins said. “Our dual meets we just train right through, so the team is going to feel really good at this meet and try to qualify for NCAAs at it.”

The Texas Invite provides a variety of opportunities for the swimmers.

“We have a lot of goals for our kids,” said Collins. “Whether it is for them to qualify for a relay at NCAAs, qualify individually for NCAAs or to just kind of improve and get the best times.”

No one recognizes the significance of this meet more than defending national champion in the 50 and 100 free, Margo Geer. The 20-time All-American also understands the importance of keeping it in perspective.

“We are just trying to get qualifying times for NCAAs,” Geer said. “This meet is very important to us but at the same time, if people don’t get those times they will have Pac-12s to get them.”

Junior Kevin Cordes sees the meet as a way to measure where the team is at midseason but also improve from his times last year in Texas at the USA Swimming Winter Nationals.

“Maybe not my NCAA times but just to improve is always good,” said Cordes. “I am also trying to help the team and help people who haven’t qualified for that meet yet.”

The three-day event is set up similar to the NCAA Championships, with a preliminary in the morning followed by finals at night. It will mark the first time this season with that type of format.

“I think we are a pretty small team and people don’t expect much from us this year but I think this meet we want to exceed those expectations,” said Greer.

The nationally ranked Wildcats have had a successful dual season up to this point, but they have been gearing up for this premier meet.

“If we had half the men’s team and half the women’s team qualify we would be in a really good spot for NCAAs. The more people on the team who make NCAAs the better chance you have of winning.”

For continued coverage of Arizona Wildcat swimming and diving, visit ArizonaWildcats.com and be sure to follow the team on Twitter @ArizonaSwimming.